One of Geelong’s greatest lifestyle attributes is its range of recreational opportunities.
There are wide expanses of open space and diverse waterways to enjoy, many kilometres of walking and bike tracks, cultural experiences, great sporting facilities, world class major events and fine dining and entertainment. There really is something for everyone!
A leisurely stroll or ride along the award-winning Waterfront or the more challenging Bellarine Rail Trail is popular on weekends all year round. Sailing on Corio Bay, skiing on the Barwon River or just enjoying our region’s beautiful beaches are also favoured pastimes.
There are facilities for all seasonal sports from top class golf courses and equestrian facilities, an international standard baseball centre, a newly upgraded Landy Field and Goldsworthy Reserve athletics tracks and state-of-the-art leisure and aquatic facilities.
Major events
Major events also play a key role. The Australian International Air Show, Festival of Sails Sailing Regatta, national and international cycling events and triathlons including the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Ironman 70.3 are just some of the high profile major events in Geelong.
The Geelong region hosts a diverse range of festivals and events, from world-class surfing and ocean swims to music, arts and cultural festivals. Some of the major events held in and around the Geelong region:
See our events calendar for all the events on offer.
Into sport and fitness?
The region offers sport and recreation activities for everyone. Whether it is joining a crowd of thousands at GMHBA Stadium to watch the Geelong Cats play in the Australian Football League competition, National A league Soccer matches or national and international T20 Cricket, or taking part in the many local sporting opportunities offered to all ages.
The Royal Geelong Yacht Club has a 240-berth marina and welcomes sailing and social members. The club has a strong junior squadron and offers sailing courses.
Cycling paths and trails spread across the Region with many linked.
Sporting Clubs
The City of Greater Geelong is home to over 325 sporting clubs ranging from football, netball, basketball, soccer and tennis to archery and gridiron, underwater hockey and rowing.
Leisure Centres/Swim/Waterparks
There are four major public indoor aquatic centres, three outdoor pools and a number of recreational/leisure centres.
Like to relax?
Geelong offers a number of magnificent bay and ocean beaches.
Geelong is also the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road which includes resort towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.
Parks and reserves
There are many parks and open spaces in the Geelong region. Some are winding bush trails, others are perfect for sports, play and picnics.
The Geelong Botanic Gardens, only a short walk from Central Geelong in Eastern Park, are the fourth-oldest in Australia (150 years). A 21st Century Garden is now a feature.
Wineries
Geelong was the largest grape-growing region in Victoria in the 1800s, and it has undergone a renaissance in the last couple of decades as winemakers rediscover rich soils and a climate that is halfway between France's Bordeaux and Burgundy. Learn more about the Geelong wine region.
Golf Courses
For golfers, there are more than 20 courses close to the City. It's long been known by the locals that golfing is one of the Geelong region's leisure sport highlights, and the latest edition of Ausgolf's 'The Golf Course Guide' has hand-picked five of the region's public access courses in its selection of Australia's best. More about the regions golf courses.
For the family
There are loads of things to do and places to see in the region for families. With so much coastline, well serviced towns, villages and regional centres and a hinterland area that has some of the best attractions in Australia, there are activities to suit every type of family, and family member.
Rockpool rambling and beach activities at any number of the beaches in the region are popular. You can learn to surf, boogie board, paddle in the waves or try skim boarding in the shallows. Build sandcastles, play cricket or just enjoy a picnic or ice cream on the sand, the beach is the perfect place for families to spend some time. More about the regions family activities.
Youth activities
The region has a range of dedicated facilities for children such as preschool play centres, adventure parks, amusement arcades and skate parks.